Best multi tool

For the everyday carry (EDC) purpose though, we will be focusing on the traditional foldable multi-tools.
When choosing the best multi tool, you as always should consider what you will be using it for, as well as the intensity of use you are planning for it.

Introduction to the best multi-tool

In general, a good quality multi-tool with all the basic tools which you may need to use from time to time will cost you about $50 tops. Of course, if you want a more professional multi-tool which you will be using for your job or every day, you may want to invest in a more expensive one. The basic multi-tool has a quality stainless steel blade or blades which are easily folded in a solid outer construction, along with the other foldable tools in the set. The good quality multi-tools have reliable locks for the blade or blades, so that they stay open while performing a task. Another thing to look for when picking the best multitool is to check if the tips of the pliers meet at one precise point. Naturally, you should consider getting a lighter and more compact model which you can easily carry around with you at all times.

We have carefully reviewed a wide variety of multi-tools being offered at the market, and we have picked our top ten favorites for EDC multi-tools.

The best multi tools on the market – our reviews and ranking

Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multitool

The Leatherman 830039 New Wave Multi-tool which comes with a sheath made of leather and nylon, has a stainless steel body, and includes 17 different tools, including: two knives, two pliers, a saw, scissors, two files, wire cutters, a bottle opener and more. It is a versatile and durable tool which is compact enough to be easily carried around, even though some may find it too heavy (at 8.5 oz) to carry in a pocket. The length of this multi-tool is 4 inches when all tools are folded, and 6.3 inches when opened. Although it has a safe lock for the blades and the tools, the blades can easily be accessed with one hand after you have pressed the locking mechanism. As with all Leatherman Tool Group products, this New Wave multi-tool comes with a 25 year (limited) warranty.

Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool Spirit X

Another great EDC multi-tool is the Victorinox Swiss Army Swisstool Spirit X. This wonderful product has 27 function tools all snuck into a compact 3 ¼ inch body. This multi-tool comes with a lifetime warranty, and the name Victorinox itself is a guarantee for the best quality in the field. This multi-tool features three screwdrivers, scissors, needle-nose pliers, a crate opener, and a lot more clever functions and tools. It is made of 100 percent stainless steel and has a number of safety springs to keep the tools locked when not in use.

It has a lanyard opening to hang it on a string, as well as a leather case to carry it around more comfortably.
So, if in doubt when shopping for the best multi tools, you should definitely consider getting one of these.

Leatherman Skeletool Multitool

The Leatherman Skeletool multi-tool is another EDC tool worth its money. It has a stainless steel body and aluminum handle scales. The blades are accessible from outside the body, which means they can be opened easily with only one hand. The Skeletool also has pliers, a bit driver, removable pocket clip, a carabiner and bottle opener.

It comes with a 25 year limited warrantee. Probably the best feature of this multi-tool is that it is very light – it weighs only five ounces, which is possibly the lightest multi-tool in this class available on the market. This is great for those who plan to carry it around in their pockets, on their belts or in bags on a daily basis. On the other hand, in order to maintain such a light weight, the producers have removed several tools, such as a saw, the can opener, files and backup blades, which are tools that will possibly be needed when camping or in survival situations.

So, remember to consider what you are planning to use your multi-tool for before picking the best one to fit your needs.

Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool

The next EDC multi-tool we have picked as one of our top ten is the Leatherman Super Tool 300 Multitool. Entirely made of stainless steel and with a great black oxide color, this is one serious multi-tool. It has a comfortable grip, and weighs a hefty 9.60 oz, but the tools it includes make it totally worth it. This Super tool has the biggest pliers and 18 other tools suitable for any tough task which open easily and smoothly and has a very comfortable grip even when wearing work gloves.

So, if you are looking for the toughest and strongest among the EDC multi-tools, this model is one you should seriously consider buying.

Victorinox Swiss Army Manager Pocket Knife

Another multi-tool worth taking a closer look at is the Victorinox Swiss Army Manager pocket knife. This multi-tool has fewer functions and tools than our other favorites – only 10, but this allows for it to be only 2.4 inches long. The tools include a blade, scissors, a mini-Phillips screwdriver, tweezers and a ballpoint pen, which makes it a more advanced option than the traditional Swiss Army knife, and yet it is still compact and light and can easily be carried around in your pocket at all times.

So, if you are looking for a minimalist and yet useful multi-tool, this Manager pocket knife could be the perfect choice for you.

Leatherman 68010101K Crunch Pocket Multi-Tool

The next great tool which we would like to point out to you is the Leatherman 68010101K Crunch Pocket Multi-Tool. This is an excellent choice for people who enjoy handy work as well as for professionals. The blades of this multi-tool are all internal for safety purposes as well as for added power.

This Leatherman multi-tool has a serrated knife, hard-wire cutters, big locking pliers, wire strippers, a ¼ inch hex bit driver and three screwdrivers just to mention a few of the tools.

It is all stainless steel, and has a 25 year limited warranty. With proper maintenance and regular oiling of the mechanisms, this multi-tool will serve you well for many years.

Leatherman 830683 Charge TTi

Another product from Leatherman – the Leatherman 830685 Charge TTi has made it to our top ten list of the best multi tools available. It is made from S30V stainless steel and has corrosion resistant alloyed titanium handles. This EDC multi-tool has multiple bit drivers for easy customization of the tools and functionalities. Apart from being visually stunning, this tool has great functionality as well. Its blades are wider and stronger than in many other models, the pliers are extremely strong and the locks of this multi-tool have been strengthened by 50% by the producer who sells it with a 25 years limited warranty.

Gerber 22-41545 Black Diesel Multi-Plier

The Gerber 22-41545 Diesel Multi-Plier is yet another great multi-tool for everyday carrying. It has a length of 4.92 inches when closed and weighs 8.6 oz. The tools included in this handy multi-tool include some big and strong tools, such as: needle nose pliers, a number of different screwdrivers, a saw, wire cutter, scissors, a partially serrated blade and others.

The blades can easily be accessed and opened with one hand only, which is a great feature when your other hand is busy holding something.

This Gerber multi-tool has industrial strength and a lifetime warranty, so you needn’t worry that you will need to replace it or that it will fail you.

SOG S62N-CP PowerLock V-Cutter Multi-Tool with Double Tooth Saw

Another EDC multi-tool which we highly recommend is the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools S62N-CP PowerLock V-Cutter Multi-Tool with double tooth saw. This 420 steel multi-tool has a half serrated blade and another 21 essential and strong tools suitable for everyday tasks and for extreme situations. Some of the tools include a blasting cap crimper, a ¼ inch drive, hard wire cutters, awl, and a number of screwdrivers including a Phillips screwdriver, a wood saw and others. It offers extra protection by having locks for each blade. Although it is a heavy-duty tool, this multi-tool is relatively lightweight and ergonomic, and has a great looking satin finish. It is sold with a lifetime warranty.

SOG S66N-CP PowerAssist Multi-Tool with Assisted Steel Blades

The final multi-tool which has made it to our top 10 is the SOG Specialty Knives & Tools S66N-CP PowerAssist Multi-Tool. This is another great everyday carry tool with a high quality 420 steel body, assisted steel blades, including one fully serrated knife, and a number of other useful and solid tools. It has extra locks for safer carrying and handling. The size of this multi-tool is 4.6 inches when closed and it weighs 9.6 oz. This multi-tool has a limited lifetime warranty, which generally means that if used and maintained appropriately could last and serve you for a lifetime.

So, as you see there is a wide variety of multi-tools being offered by a number of producers, with one of the most famous being Victorinox’s Swiss Army knife. Other multi-tool makers include: Gerber, Leatherman, Spyderco, Buck and Benchmade. There are a multitude of types of tools which are included in every multi-tool, so when picking the best multi tool for yourself, you should always keep in mind what kinds of tasks you may need to use it for.

Some of the multi-tools are produced specifically for certain professions, such as for electricians, for example. Others are produced for more general use, with commonly used tools, including: a screwdriver, a can opener, a corkscrew, and others.

While a number of these multi-tools look like the traditional Swiss Army Knives, others have no resemblance to knives at all. But which one is for you? Let us tell you ..

What makes a good multi tool?

BUILD QUALITY

So, in conclusion, when shopping for the best multi tool, you should be looking for a higher quality of the build of the body and the tools, especially if you are planning this as a long-term investment. Choosing a multi-tool with anticorrosive features is best in order to keep it functioning and free from corrosion which can occur over time and with prolonged use.

KNIFE BLADE

The other important feature to look for when buying an EDC multi-tool is the blade(s) quality. Remember that the better the steel used for the knife blades, the longer they will remain sharp. Nobody likes a dull blade. After all the longer you can use it without using a knife sharpener, the better.

DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS

Of course, when picking a multi-tool, you should take into consideration the design and ergonomics of the product. Apart from looking good, it is important that the EDC multi-tool is designed and made in a way which allows for easy and safe use. Also, watch for the weight and size of the tool. Some may find that larger tools work better for them, while other may prefer a more compact version for themselves.

PRICE TAG

Last but not least, the price is a crucial factor, and more so the value which the product has for the money it is priced at. You may want to spend some more for a higher quality multi-tool which will last for years, rather than to buy a cheaper one which will break and corrode after several uses. Unlike a survival machete, multi-tools are compact-sized devices and can be stored and carried with you without too much hassle.

It is all up to you, but if you are still wondering whether to buy a multi-tool for yourself or as a gift for someone, our advice is – definitely get one!